What you can expect as a client

You can expect our prompt attention to your legal problems, no matter how big or small. Telephone calls and emails are returned the same day. We keep clients informed in real-time and update you so there will not be any surprises. We are a law firm that thinks like a business with real-world solutions. We find that many of our clients seek our guidance on all business issues, and we value that relationship. Our goal is to provide you service not for a transaction but for life. This is illustrated by our more than 95% client retention rate since the firm was founded.

Our philosophy

With a law practice based in South Florida, we emphasize a relaxed style, we dress casually (except where a business meeting warrants otherwise) and we are available to our clients at all times (including providing you with our mobile phone numbers). We love what we do, how we do it and we look forward to working with you.

Press

Daniel Novela receives key to the city from Miami Mayor and Miami – Dade Mayor

Selecta Magazine

Daniel Novela receives key to the city from Miami Mayor and Miami – Dade Mayor

Law.com

Bizjournals.com

Law.com

Prlog.org

Prnewswire.com

Prlog.org

Socialmiami.com

Hauteliving.com

Hautetime.com

Notable Transactions

Corporate

BUSINESS LAW NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS

General Corporate Law

Represented as outside general counsel, one of the largest broadband telecom operators in the nation of Azerbaijan.
Represented as outside general counsel, an international manufacturer, and distributor of commercial kitchen appliances with operations throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Represented as outside general counsel, a United States telecommunications company with wireless broadband operations in Costa Rica and Peru.
Represented as outside general counsel, a NASDAQ-listed, online, interactive wagering company.
Represented as outside general counsel, an online web search engine optimization company.
Represented as outside general counsel, a restaurant chain.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Represented Azqtel, a wireless telecom operator, based in the nation of Azerbaijan, as international corporate counsel in the sale of the company.
Represented a major casino operator in the acquisition of a competing casino’s hotel and casino operations.
Represented a privately held VoIP operator in a multi-million dollar merger with a publicly traded technology company.
Represented a United States commercial kitchen appliance distributor in a multi-million dollar acquisition of the international operations of a major competitor.
Represented a Florida CLEC-licensed telecom carrier in the acquisition of the IPTV assets of a Latin American telecommunications company.
Represented the Qvale Auto Group in the acquisition of Champion Audi (at the time, the largest Audi dealer in the United States).
Represented The Legacy Companies in the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Omega Products, one of the largest juicer brands in the world.
Represented The Legacy Companies in acquiring all of the assets of Excalibur, the largest food dehydrator manufacturer in the world.
Represented The Legacy Companies in the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Chefs Choice, an international manufacturer of kitchen products.
Represented The Legacy Companies in the acquisition of the assets of The Zeroll Corp, a manufacturer of ice cream scoopers whose design is in the MOMA permanent collection.

Shareholders, Directors, and Member Interests

Represented companies and individuals in hundreds of shareholder agreements, membership operating agreements, and option agreements.

Private Offerings

Represented a purchaser of discounted accounts receivable in the placement of $10 million in private equity.
Represented a real estate developer in the placement of $8 million in private equity for the development of a 56-unit, multi-building development.
Represented a real estate developer in the placement of $5 million in private equity, $4 million in private debt, and a commercial loan in the amount of $7 million for the acquisition of vacant land.
Represented an interactive wagering company in the placement of $4 million in private equity.
Represented a maritime security company in the placement of $1.5 million in private equity.

International Corporate

Represented a United States telecommunications company in negotiating with investors, suppliers, and local government on the development of a wireless network in Costa Rica, resulting in Costa Rica’s first nationwide wireless broadband network.
Represented Azqtel, a wireless telecom operator, based in the nation of Azerbaijan, as international corporate counsel in the sale of the company.
Represented a United States commercial equipment design and distribution company in a joint venture with a Chinese equipment manufacturing company.
Represented a shoe and apparel manufacturer based in Spain in establishing operations, sales, and distribution in Miami for the United States and Latin America.
Represented a glass mosaic tile manufacturer based in Spain in establishing operations, sales, and distribution in Miami for the United States and Latin America.
Represented a commercial appliance distributor based in the United States in purchasing the international operations of a major competitor.
Represented a furniture designer and manufacturer based in Latin America in establishing operations, sales, and distribution in Miami for distribution in North America.
Represented a lighting manufacturer based in Mexico in establishing a distribution hub in the United States.
Represented a Florida CLEC-licensed telecom carrier in a $5 million acquisition of the IPTV assets of a Latin American telecommunications company.
Represented the national telecom company in Azerbaijan in negotiating a $15 Million wireless equipment purchase, installation, and service agreement with ZTE (China).
Represented a Florida-based clothing designer and manufacturing company in franchising its retail stores in Saudi Arabia.
Represented an Ecuadorian-based furniture designer and manufacturing company in franchising its retail stores in Egypt.
Represented a Florida-based clothing designer and manufacturer in its distribution agreements throughout the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

Hospitality

Represented a major Caribbean hotel operator in negotiating its agreements with Orbitz, Priceline, and other online travel and tour companies.
Represented a tour operator based in Spain in establishing United States operations, including state licensing, Dept. of Transportation approvals, and negotiating carriage with major airlines.

E-commerce and Online Businesses

Represented an online travel content company in negotiating online content service and web design agreements with Fox Interactive Media
Represented one of Brazil’s largest internet search companies in negotiations with Overture (now Yahoo Search Marketing).
Represented an online interactive wagering company in online content licensing agreements with horseracing tracks worldwide.
Represented a major hotel operator with hotels throughout the Caribbean and Spain in negotiating its agreements with Orbitz, Priceline, and other online travel and tour companies.
Represented one of the largest online virtual tour companies in negotiating agreements with major online travel companies (including Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz).

Commercial Finance

Represented a commercial kitchen equipment distributor in negotiating and closing a $90 Million Credit Facility with a series of banks, including both asset lending and acquisition finance.
Represented a Miami real estate developer in negotiating a $50 million construction loan with a national bank.
Represented a Spanish bank in a $12 million construction loan for a major real estate project in Miami.
Represented a Spanish bank in a series of multi-million dollar loans to a large theme park operator.
Represented a real estate developer in negotiating a $7 million bridge loan for the acquisition of vacant land.
Represented a commercial kitchen equipment distributor in negotiating and closing a $9 Million Credit Facility with Regions Bank.
Represented a commercial kitchen equipment distributor in negotiating and closing a $12 Million Credit Facility with PNC Bank consisting of a $6 million domestic line of credit and a $6Million is EXIM (Export-Import Bank) line of credit.
Represented an international plastic resins distribution company in negotiating and closing a $20 Million Credit Facility consisting of a $5Million domestic line of credit and $15Million EXIM (Export-Import Bank) line of credit.

Licensing

Represented a home automation company in negotiating an intellectual property licensing agreement with THX.
Represented a cable television network in negotiating broadcast and content licensing agreements with major horseracing tracks worldwide.
Represented one of the largest online virtual tour companies in negotiating content licensing agreements with Starwood Hotels and Resorts (includes W Hotels, St. Regis, Westin, and other major hotels in the Starwood Group)

Trademark

Represented a major Chinese commercial kitchen equipment designer and manufacturer in registering three United States trademarks for three product lines.
Represented a United States distributor of commercial equipment in a trademark dispute and its successful resolution resulting in a favorable settlement and the infringing party sending an apology letter to all major customers of our client.
Represented a United States equipment distributor in an acquisition of a commercial equipment manufacturer’s trademarks, domain names, and goodwill.

Mergers and Acquisitions / Shareholders, Directors and Member Interests / Private Offerings / International Corporate / Offshore Corporations and Trusts / Hospitality / Commercial Finance / E-commerce / Licensing / Trademark /

Novela Law has assisted both domestic and international companies in the handling of such matters as letters of intent, asset and stock purchases, merger agreements, confidentiality, exclusivity and standstill agreements, due diligence investigations, and anti-takeover strategies. The firm has extensive experience in merger and acquisition transactions, including auto dealerships, manufacturers both domestic and international, wireless broadband operators, med spas, equipment distributors, and technology products and services. The firm has expertise in international acquisitions and divestitures with particular experience in Latin America, the Middle East, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

Novela Law specializes in the areas of shareholder and director interest for corporations and member interest for limited liability companies. The firm’s representation includes shareholder agreements, member interest agreements, operating agreements for limited liability companies, proxy and voting agreements, stock pledges, shareholder and/or member dispute resolutions. The firm is experienced at planning and conducting board of directors meetings, shareholder meetings, independent director meetings, committee planning and advisory committee planning. Furthermore, the firm has substantial experience in preparing employment, independent contractor and non-competition agreements.

Novela Law has substantial experience representing growing companies needing additional capital from private placements, venture capital rounds of investment, or inside investors. It regularly provides counsel in private placement transactions representing both domestic and foreign issuers in the manner of the issuance. In those capacities, the firm is experienced in preparing, reviewing, and revising private placement memorandums and providing legal advice on Regulation D and compliance with Blue Sky laws for domestic and foreign companies and individuals, as well as preparing for options and warrants, convertible securities terms, registration rights, piggyback, tag-along and drag-along rights and stock repurchase agreements. The firm has particular experience in private offerings in the areas of real estate development and motion picture film finance.

Novela Law has represented clients in a variety of international transactions, joint ventures, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, debt financing, and restructurings. In addition, the firm has handled numerous transactions throughout Latin America, the Middle East, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

Novela Law provides counsel on various offshore entities for the international structuring of our client’s businesses by selecting the most suitable structures from a choice of international, tax-haven domiciles, including but not limited to the following: British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Costa Rica, Luxemburg, and Panama. Novela Law has the capability, through our network of law firms, to customize our services to include any particular jurisdiction that might serve our client’s particular needs.

Novela Law represents one of the largest hotel operators in the Caribbean and Central America. The firm also represents tour operators, hotel management companies, and interactive hotel and travel websites with an emphasis on the Caribbean and Latin America.

Novela Law routinely assists clients in securing bank financing for everyone, from start-ups to real estate developers, manufacturers, and other businesses. The firm provides counsel in the areas of loan agreements, security agreements, mortgages covering real estate, equipment and inventory, mezzanine loans, acquisition finance, stock pledges, and debt versus equity issues. The firm also represents several lenders in their commercial and residential real estate loans, construction loans, bridge loans, and other forms of finance.

Novela Law represents several internet businesses including software developers, web search companies, web search optimization companies and entertainment and media companies. The firm also has experience representing interactive wagering companies and web-site developers and hosting companies.

Novela Law has prepared licensing agreements for software developers and designers, manufacturers, entertainment content companies, film production companies, artists and designers, and other intellectual property owners.

Novela Law represents clients in all manner of trademarks, state and federal, including searching and advising on the availability of trademarks and trade names; devising creative solutions for clearing marks; advising on when to obtain rights to marks owned by others, registering trademarks, policing trademarks, and preparing licensing agreements and security interest in trademarks or other intellectual property. Novela Law works closely with clients and third party search firms in to identify potential infringers and recommend appropriate enforcement action

Significant Art

Daniel Novela has developed an expertise in art law during his many years of practice. Novela Law has assisted clients in all aspects of the purchase and sale of significant art pieces, including art from some of the best-known artists, such as Monet, Picasso, Rothko, Twombly, and Bacon. Novela Law also assists clients in collateralizing their art collection, allowing clients to pursue opportunities including raising cash for new investments, refinancing other debt, supplementing income, creating cash flow, and purchasing more art. Because we also represent lenders in the art field, we are familiar with the transaction costs associated with loans collateralized with art. They can be much lower than expenses associated with a sale in many cases. We also have experience in negotiating with auction houses.

Aircraft

Novela Law works with a team of experienced industry professionals to assist with all aspects of aircraft purchase, sale, and ongoing aircraft management. We have assisted numerous domestic and overseas clients in registering their aircraft. Our services include aircraft registration in the U.S. (FAA Registry) and offshore, negotiation of aircraft purchase agreements, aircraft trust agreements (including the use of owner-trusts to comply with FAA citizenship requirements for non-U.S. residents), transfer and clearance of title, counsel on the appropriate corporate entity to own the aircraft, selection of unique tail numbers and aircraft financing. We work with many foreign jurisdictions for clients who prefer to register their aircraft offshore, including Aruba, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Malta, and San Marino. We also make introductions for our clients who can assist with purchasing, selling, or financing aircraft.

Yachts

Novela Law has assisted clients with selling and purchasing yachts since the firm’s founding. These services include purchase and sale consulting, appropriate corporate entity to own the vessel, appropriate jurisdiction to register the vessel, taxes, title documentation, vessel financing negotiations, liens and mortgages, crew employment issues, brokerage consulting and representation, and domestic and offshore closings. We work with many jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, the Marshall Islands, Malta, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United States.

Notable Transactions

Commercial Real Estate

Represented a real estate developer in preparing, filing and recording all condo documentation and in the development of a 91 unit condominium.
Represented a real estate developer in the development of a 56 unit multi-building residential real estate project.
Represented a real estate developer in the reorganization and sale of a $17 million residential real estate project.

Residential Real Estate

Represented hundreds of homeowners in the sale and purchase of their homes.

Real Estate

Commercial Real Estate / Residential Real Estate / Title Services /

Novela Law routinely represents buyers, sellers, and lending institutions with regard to commercial real estate transactions. Transactions involving the development of condominiums (including all condominium documents and state approvals), condo conversions, office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouses are all a part of the firm’s real estate practice. Novela Law also has extensive experience counseling foreign real estate investors and investors using 1031 exchanges and 1031 reverse exchanges.

Novela Law handles numerous residential real estate closings on an annual basis. These transactions typically require us to coordinate with a title insurance company the preparation of all closing documents, including contracts for sale and purchase, warranty deeds, condo approvals, insurance, surveys, loan payoffs, permit searches, any tax inquiries, and all necessary inspections as needed. Novela Law also has experience in dealing with 1031 exchanges and foreclosure sales.

Mr. Novela is one of the owners of Lotus Title, a Law Firm, P.A., which provides real estate title and closing agent services to certain clients of Novela Law. Lotus Title is an authorized title insurance agent for The Fund. The Fund is backed by the strength of Old Republic Title, one of the nation’s largest title insurance companies. Engaging an attorney-operated title insurance company to handle real estate closing transactions is often in a client’s best interest because only an attorney can effectively advise a party on matters relating to title and answer legal questions that can arise during a real estate closing. Additionally, if a legal problem with the title or the closing arises, we, your attorney, can take immediate action.

Bio

Daniel Novela has over 25 years of legal experience in Corporate & Securities law, Art law, and representing high-net-worth individuals, families, and family offices (including domestic and offshore corporate structuring, M&A, and the acquisition and transfer of aircraft, significant art, real estate, and yachts).

Novela also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law.

Before founding his law firm, Novela practiced law at some of the nation’s premier law firms, including Milbank Tweed, and Steel, Hector & Davis (now part of Squire Patton Boggs). Novela has been recognized in numerous publications, including American Lawyer, Daily Business Review, Haute Living, Miami magazine, Social Miami, and a front-page feature in the South Florida Business Journal.

Born in South Florida, Novela earned a law degree with honors (cum laude) from Tulane University. He studied business at the University of Missouri–Columbia and a university in Florence, Italy, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Florida International University.

Novela has served and spoken internationally for the Beacon Council, a government agency tasked with assisting domestic and international businesses in relocating to Miami.

Novela has served on the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council (where he directed city funding for local cultural institutions) and the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Young Collectors Council. Novela has also Co-Chaired the PAMM Annual Gala and Co-Chaired the PAMM Annual Corporate Luncheon.

Novela is the founder of NovelaWatch Collectors Club Miami’s premier watch collectors group, a contributor to several watch magazines, and an expert on contemporary and vintage watches.

Novela enjoys teaching, sailing, gardening, collecting art, learning about contemporary and vintage watches, and restoring his 1966 Ford Bronco.

Community

1Novela has also been a strong supporter of the arts in Miami, including serving in prominent positions at the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council and the Perez Art Museum Miami (see Novela bio for more information.) Novela has been recognized for his arts-related philanthropic activities and his collection of contemporary art in various publications, including Haute Living Magazine, Miami Magazine, Plum Magazine, and Social MIAMI. Novela is also the founder of Novela Watch Collectors Club, Miami’s premier watch club, a watch writer for various watch magazines, and an expert on vintage and contemporary watches.

We understand the needs of high-net-worth clients because we have over twenty years of experience representing their legal needs and understand their needs from a community perspective. We look forward to introducing our clients to the lifestyle experiences available in Miami and inviting them to join us at many fine arts and watch events we organize, sponsor and attend.